Wrong Course?

          There is a good chance for regime change in Washington next fall. Many people feel the Obama boys put our country on the "wrong course". I'm not a fan of Obama's leadership ability or confident in the competence of his Administration. What's the alternative? A stacked deck of Republicans (a two Party system sucks). Harken to the ghost of Christmas future and determine if a stacked Republican government will produce a "right course" for the country.

          Former Speaker Gingrich continues his adamant advocacy of abolishing child labor laws and putting poor children to work to teach them values and thus not seek handouts. I respect Newt on his international views, but domestically, in my opinion, his views are "zany", as Newt put it self-derisively. Newt may be unaware that the Great Society Welfare State was dismantled on his watch and has not existed for two decades. 12.5% of the total US population makes less than $14,000 annually for a family of four. 16% of all seniors over 65 are in poverty. 2011 numbers indicate that one in four US children are faced with hunger. 60% of families in poverty are working, many with more than one job. 40% of households in poverty are single mothers with young children. Many of these work part time. This is at a time when competition for jobs is 5 to 1. What's worse, thousands of "middle class" families trapped in underwater mortgages, credit debt, or job loss slip into poverty every month. Current 50 million Americans live in poverty, up from 37 million three years earlier. Newt may not be aware that most families in poverty are not lolling about on the dole, but are struggling to work and survive. Newt may be unaware that what sustains cycles of poverty, according to research, is lack of mental enrichment before age 5, after which a permanently underdeveloped brain condemns the child to a life of struggle and statistical social immobility. It is through education and mental enrichment that poverty is overcome, not creating a menial labor underclass (just can't get good servants these days). What are the implications if Newt IS aware of these facts and simply advocates cake eating? In my view, the core Republican message appears out of touch with reality and the needs of 99% of Americans (maybe the 1% rich "job creators" who haven't had their taxes raised can hurry up and create some jobs). Does electing out of touch lawmakers without new solutions put us on the right course?

          I try not to comment much about the reality sideshow called the elections. However, I note much bitching and blame by the Republican candidates but my ears are tuned for innovative domestic solutions. I have heard none. We could drill for oil. Thanks Rick. Guys, you can't just be agin' things. You have to be for something. Not having solutions may be the wrong course.

          Some believe that we need Obama gone and Republicans running all the Government. The ghost of Christmas future points to Virginia, where Republicans run the State government. Their first order of business was to propose banning all abortions (HB1). They have successfully eroded access to abortion clinics statewide, and wish to advance their "cause". The link to the intro for HB1 is presented here http://lis.virginia.gov/cgi-bin/legp604.exe?121+ful+HB1. 

   
       While I personally advocate the right to life, the operative word is personal, as in abortion is a very personal (and gravely serious) decision. Is working diligently to ban choice the right course?

          This week, the Virginia Board of Social Services changed adoption restrictions. The State may reject adoption based on sexual orientation (gay), income, gender, age, religion (sorry Jews), and political party (can't be a registered Democrat). Sounds like an "us" trying to block an enemy "them". Doesn't sound like America to me. Is such adversarial framing the right course?

          Some would contend that voters get the Government they deserve. By voting in ideological extremists, the good people of Virginia have certainly sowed the wind. Will our nation follow course and do the same?